Single amino-acid changes in HIV envelope affect viral tropism and receptor binding
Article Abstract:
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus which causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), binds to cells by a protein molecule on the envelope, or surface coat of the virus, called gp120. Mutations or changes were made in the viral gp120 to study the interaction of gp120 with its receptor molecule, CD4 (specifically binds gp120), on normal cells of the body. In a region of gp120 that is known to be important for binding to CD4, mutations were made in the deoxyribose nucleic acid (DNA), molecules which make up genes that code for proteins. Mutations in the DNA caused changes in amino acids, the building blocks of proteins. A change which affected one amino acid in gp120 inhibited its binding to its receptor molecule, CD4. Any gp120 virus that contained this mutation could no longer bind to a cell and was not infectious. Changes in other amino acids of the viral gp120 produced a molecule that could still bind to the cellular receptor, CD4, but only on some types of cells and not on all cells that could normally bind the virus. These studies provide insights as to how the HIV virus binds to and infects cells, causing the development of AIDS. A virus with these changes could possibly be used as a vaccine for the prevention of AIDS.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1989
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Regulation of transcription by proteins that control the cell cycle
Article Abstract:
Cellular research indicates that the cell cycle of multicellular organisms is affected by Pol III transcription activities. Genetic experiments using Xenopus eggs show the enzyme mitotic cyclin B/Cdc2 kinase, otherwise known as mitosis-promoting factor, comprises of TATA-binding protein TBP-associated factors. Evidence suggests that Pol II transcription, like mitosis-promoting factor, are inhibited during mitosis.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1997
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G alpha i and G alpha o are target proteins of reactive oxygen species
Article Abstract:
Research into reactive oxygen species and the target protein that leads to extra-cellular signal-regulated kinase is presented.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 2000
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